I've been reading up on it, and apparently, some monks are now learning the more traditional style you're describing.

And I always thought that true monks never left their monastery?

They leave sometimes I think, but I don't really know much about that. I know that rookies are sent home after 1 year to decide whether they want to come back to the temple and train for the rest of their lives. Still, I'd have to read up more on it. And of course, when they need to get food they leave the temple for the town.